2nd opinion?

[tr305]

Just saw a urologist. After a digital exam, he said he thought my prostate was "abnormal" and suggested that I have an ultrasound / biopsy. Should I get a second opinion or is this pretty standard procedure?

[YostConner]

Did he do a PSA test? Usually that and the DRE together point to a biopsy unless the abnormality is patently obvious.

[tr305 in reply to YostConner]

My PSA is 7, that's why I got the digital exam.

[Pj10128 in reply to tr305]

A biopsy is the next step with a PSA of 7.

The pathologist will give it a Gleason score an hopefully it will be 6 or below

Don’t wait. The biopsy is outpatient and not a big deal.

Good luck

[YostConner in reply to tr305]

Got it. Agree with Pj10128.

[Svnupsf in reply to tr305]

Before you get a biopsy, ask for a prostate MRI and check that you're with a urologist that can do an MRI guided biopsy...not all can. The difference is that an MRI will identify any suspicious tissue locations and the urologist uses the MRI image to target the biopsy needle to those points. Without this, the needle is poking (somewhat) randomly and can easily miss small problematic nodules. To quote one of the doctors at a PCRI conference a couple years ago when asked if he would have a biopsy done without that...he was emphatic: "No!"

Also, a PSA of 7 is not that high and may be your normal level. This is why it's important to have annual physicals and monitor your PSA over time. Enlarged prostate can cause elevated PSA levels. It's a change (increase) in PSA in a relatively short time that sets off the alarm bells.

Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Svnupsf]

Hi guys

Been reading all your stories

Two yrs ago I had enlarged prostate which caused me unable to pee

Admitted into hospital as it caused sepsis

My PSA was 32

Was sure I would be told I had cancer but I was so lucky it was negative

Long story short Had TURP procedure and now two yrs later am quite well

Only negative is TURP left me with retrograde ejaculation

That takes some getting used to

B EST of luck to all you guys

[NYTwin]

You might ask about getting a prostate MRI which could be helpful in advance of or after a biopsy which would help to further assist in your diagnosis. Wishing you good luck there!

[tr305 in reply to NYTwin]

Thanks for the recommendation

[tr305]

So, are you undergoing a treatment/operation?

[EdinBmore]

Just echoing above advice. And, def YES to MRI fusion guided biopsy. If your uro cannot perform this procedure, find one that can. Also, ask about Prostate Health Index.

Hopefully, the PSA of 7 is the result of something other than PC. Good luck to you.

EdinBaltimore

[tr305 in reply to EdinBmore]

Thanks, Ed.

[DK1347]

I agree with Svnupsf, proceed with caution and don’t hesitate to get second opinions, looking back I wish I had, good luck

[JimVanHorn]

My urologist used two fingers, because I asked for a second opinion! Ha, Ha.

[tr305 in reply to JimVanHorn]

Ahahahaha. Very funny.

[LoveyDovey]

My GS's are 3+4=7, 3+4=7 and 3+3=6 which is medium. I've consulted with 3 doctors, surgeon and radiation oncologist at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Prostate Cancer Center on 68th st. in NYC. I'm not considering surgery. My Radiation Oncology doctors recommend 2 treatments and I've chosen the High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy and MSK Precise. If you need more information about Dr's Ariel Marciscano and Daniel Gorovets, visit MSKCC.org.

mskcc.org/cancer-care/types...

I've also learned during my visit at MSKCC that they offer Trans Perineum MRI/ULTRASOUND Fusion Biopsy with I consider to be much cleaner and safer.👍

If I would have known sooner I wouldn't have done the Trans Rectal MRI/ULTRASOUND Fusion biopsy (trans fecal).👎

I hope this helps and good luck!

Dan S. 58yo